Soul Surfer

Bethany Hamilton

Rating: 4/5

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton will inspire you like no other book. It tells the tragic story of thirteen year old Bethany's shark attack. Bethany from the beginning was a little mermaid. She was in the water more than on land. What could possibly take her away from surfing, the sport she had loved for so long? Nothing, not even a near death attack. Halloween morning in the calm waves of Tunnels Beach is where it all began. While lying on her board waiting for a wave to come with one arm dangling off the side, a shark tore her whole arm off. Paddling back to shore with only one thought and only one arm, who knew she was going to survive? She knew. After her surgery the first question she asked simply was “When will I be able to surf again?” The doctors thought she would never be able to surf again but Bethany did not take never for an answer.

Social/Historical context:

Bethany wrote this book in 2004, about 15 years after the actual attack occurred.

Writing Style:

Bethany was the narrator of her book. It is a true story. She writes from her memory of events before and after the attack.

My Thoughts:

Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton was one a book that inspired me like no other. This book was an emotional roller coaster. Page after page, I just wanted more. This book was easier to relate to than others because I am the same age as Bethany when she was attacked. I found the book very motivational. Knowing that Bethany learned to surf so well again with just one arm motivates during my sports training. The fact that she got back on her surf board made me realize that many things are possible. I also found the book very scary because I love to go in the ocean but now I know there is always a risk that something could happen. Overall I really enjoyed this book.

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